A quick guide for navigating the Student Code of Conduct
A student enrolled at Rockhurst University assumes a responsibility to and must behave in a manner compatible with Rockhurst University’s educational environment and community principles, found in the Student Code of Conduct within the Student Handbook.
The following is a compass to help students navigate potential scenarios.
Conduct hearing process
The conduct hearing process gives students the opportunity to share their perspective about an incident and provide any relevant information or evidence. Students will first receive an email (Charge Letter) notifying them of the alleged charges and outlining their rights before meeting with their Hearing Officer. Receiving a charge letter does not mean a student has been found responsible; it simply indicates that a report or concern needs additional review.
What is a conduct hearing?
A hearing in the student conduct process is a formal meeting where the student has the opportunity to respond to alleged violations of the university’s Code of Conduct. During the hearing, the facts of the case are reviewed; the student can share their perspective, present evidence, and ask questions. The purpose is to ensure a fair and impartial process before any decisions or sanctions are made. It is not a criminal trial, but rather an educational process focused on accountability and learning.
How cases are reviewed
Depending on the severity of the alleged misconduct, cases may be reviewed by a Hearing Examiner or a Hearing Committee. Hearings are private and include opportunities for both the University and the student to present information and witnesses. Students may have a Rockhurst faculty or staff advisor present for support, but attorneys, parents, and other outside parties may not attend.
Outcomes and sanctions
If a student is found responsible, sanctions are imposed based on the seriousness of the violation, past conduct history, and educational intent—ranging from warnings and probation to suspension or expulsion. Sanctions aim to promote growth, prevent future misconduct, and maintain community well-being. In certain cases, such as repeated or serious violations, parents or guardians may be notified as allowed by law. University disciplinary actions are handled separately from any criminal or civil proceedings.
Setting You Up for Success: Understanding Common Conduct Mistakes
As a Rockhurst student, you are bound by the student code of conduct and the student handbook on and off campus.
Below is a summary of some policy violations as well as a summary of the judicial process.
Full definitions can be found in the Philosophy and Guidelines section of the Student Handbook.
- Alcohol: Any student under the age of 21 is prohibited from consuming or being in the presence of alcohol. Students over the age of 21 are allowed to consume alcohol, but must not be in the presence of underaged students or go over the limit below.
- Each room with individuals of legal drinking age is limited to having only one of the following in their residence: one six-pack of beer, OR one four-pack of wine coolers or other similar beverage, OR one pint of alcohol, OR one bottle of wine.
- Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, the use of computers, websites, the internet, cell phones, text messaging, chat rooms, and instant messages to ridicule, harass, intimidate, humiliate, or otherwise bully a student.
- Disruptive Behavior: It is expected that students cooperate with one another, guests, and University officials at all times and not engage in behavior that undermines the safety, security, or normal operation of the University or University-sponsored activities/events.
- This includes but is not limited to excessive noise, public urination, indecent exposure, illegal gambling, technology misuse, and failing to comply with parking regulations.
- Drugs and Tobacco Products: The use, possession, sale, distribution, manufacture, or exchange of illegal drugs, controlled substances, chemicals used as drugs, or drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited.
- This includes but is not limited to Zyns, Vapes, Marijuana (in any form), Non-prescription drugs, Nicotine Patches, etc.
- Guests and Visitors: All students are responsible for their guests, including their guests’ actions, any damage to university property, and any violations of university policy committed by them. Guests are considered to be any person who does not live in the student’s room.
- Guests are permitted in Corcoran and McGee Hall during the following times:
- From Move-in to Fall Break: Sunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m., Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.
- After fall break: Sunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m., 24-hour visitation starting Friday at 11 a.m. Until Sunday at 12 a.m.
- Guests are permitted in Corcoran and McGee Hall during the following times:
- Harassment, Discrimination and Hazing: Rockhurst University expects everyone to treat others with respect. Discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or citizenship is not allowed. Sexual harassment, assault, dating or domestic violence, and stalking are handled under the Sexual Harassment Policy, while other types of discrimination are addressed under the Non-Discrimination Policy.
- Hazing: This is also prohibited and includes any activity that harms or pressures someone as part of joining or being in a student group, such as physical abuse, forced drinking or drug use, sleep deprivation, sexual acts, threats, or illegal actions. The University investigates all reports and may take disciplinary or legal action.
- Keys: No one may duplicate, lend, or leave a university key outside a residence, and keys in the possession of unauthorized individuals may be confiscated. Additionally, no one may replace, damage, tamper with, or vandalize any University lock or security device. Total fine for a lock and key change: $125.
- Vandalism: Students who vandalize, deface, destroy, or alter property that does not belong to them will face disciplinary action and sanctions, including restitution costs. This includes tampering with washing machines, vending machines, game machines, elevator misuse/abuse, and graffiti.
- Weapons: The possession, use, or sale of firearms, knives, martial arts equipment, bows and arrows, crossbows, bullets, stun guns, paintball guns, or any other weapon capable of causing bodily harm is prohibited. Folding pocketknives with blades shorter than three inches are allowed, but all other weapons—including tasers, mace, pepper spray, and similar items—are not permitted.